Military service has its risks. The government understands this and has several programs in place to protect your family financially if you die in the line of duty. Do you know what they are? Does your family know? More importantly does your family know where they come from and how to apply for these excellent benefits? Veteran survivor Benefits come from three sources: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DOD), and the Social Security Administration (SSA). All three provide monthly income to your family. A good portion of this income is tax-free and all of it is adjusted annually for cost of living (COLA).

These benefits are exceptional. For example, if an E-6 with 10 years of service with a wife and two small children were to die on active duty, his family would be eligible for over $3,500 a month in income benefits. That is over $42,000 a year! Plus when those two children are ready to go to college they will have a monthly check to help pay for it from the Dependent's Education Assistance (DEA) program. This is $788 per month tax-free for 2004. His wife is also eligible for this education benefit.

There are also lump sum benefits and burial benefits available to the service members surviving family. To review these various benefits visit Navy Mutual Aid Association's website at www.navymutual.org and click on "Services" then click on "Federal Benefits Information."

If you would like a pamphlet summary of these benefits with a worksheet that can allow you to estimate the benefits for your family, send an e-mail with your name, rank & service, and address to mybenefits@navymutual.org and put "Send Summary" in the subject line.

You should, however, understand that most of these benefits are terminated once you leave the service.

Navy Mutual Aid Association provides family protection counseling for Sea Service Members who are leaving active duty. The Association can also provide a comprehensive one-hour presentation on Veteran Survivor Entitlements and Benefits to your command at no cost. For information about the Association's Education program call 800-628-6011 ext 107 or e-mail presentations@navymutual.org.